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Chhath Tourism

Chhath Tourism - Economic Impact of Chhath and other tourist sites in Bihar

Patna has the potential to become one of the most favoured tourist destinations in India. Out of the curiosity to see such a large number of people obtaining the Cosmic Solar Energy through Chhath Method, the tourists (foreign tourists in particular) will visit Patna. Chhath is unique to Bihar.Although Chhath Puja is celebrated across the globe, the Chhath celebrations at Patna have a special significance.

What can we do?

1.A two-night Chhath Mela (fair) can be organized on the banks of river Ganga in Patna.

5.Aggressive and massive advertising of the Scientific Aspect of the Chhath Puja.E-campaigning through websites.

6.A big hoarding giving information about the scientific aspect of Chhath in every district of Bihar.

6.Good infrastructure facilities in Patna (roads, electricity etc)

7.Cleanliness in the city and the Ghats of Ganga Ji

What else can be done? If you wish to promote your culture and help in progress of Bihar, please send your suggestions to yogishri@indiatimes.com.To spread this message about Chhath Puja, we request you to gift a copy of this booklet to at least one friend/family member.

Possible Outcome of Promoting Chhath Tourism

It will boost the economy of Bihar

It will lead to creation of more jobs.

It will be an excellent means of branding of Bihar, following which the image of Bihar will improve further

More investment (FDI) will come to Bihar.Patna will become a global centre, as people from all countries will visit Patna for Chhath Tourism

Once the tourists visit Patna for Chhath, they will also visit other places like Nalanda, Vikramshila, Pawapuri, Bodh Gaya etc.

The weather during the months of Nov-Dec will be suitable for the tourists.

Chhath is unique to the culture of Bihar. If the scientific aspect of Chhath is promoted, Patna has the potential to become one of the most favoured tourist destinations in India.Let us make this happen.What all is required?Think and donate your ideas to the Ideaa Bank. Send your ideas to yogishri23@gmail.comApart from Chhath, we have much more to offer.A few places of interest are listed below:

*Chhath Puja: Conscious Photoenergization Process

*Rajgir: Pilgrim Place for Buddhists

*Bodh Gaya: Pilgrim Place for Buddhists

*Gaya: Pilgrim Place for Hindus

*Nalanda: Ruins of world’s oldest Buddhist University

*Vaishali: Seat of the first republic of the world, Ashoka Pillar

*Madhubani Paintings

*Munger/Bhimbandh: Famous for hot-springs, Yoga School

*Maner (Biharsharif): Shrine of Sufi Saint Hazrat Makhdoom Shah

*Sasaram: Tomb of Afghan Emperor Sher Shah Suri

*Patna: Pilgrim Place for Sikhs (Patna Sahib)

*Pawapuri: Jain Pilgrim Place

*Sonepur: Cattle Fair

*Bhagalpur: Religious Center for Sikhs and Jains

*Darbhanga: Maharaj Kameshwar’s Palace

*Kesaria: World’s largest Buddhist Pagoda

*Sitamarhi: Birthplace of Sita, Ram Janki Temple

*Vikramshila: Religious Center for Jains

*Madhepura (Singheshwara): Ancient Shiva Temple

*Saharsa: Ancient Kali Temple

If this spectrum of information ranging from the religious centers to historical places is spread out in a proper manner, Bihar will become a big tourist attraction.

Among the domestic tourists, 84.3% tourists were from Bihar itself. Almost 8% were from the neighbouring states of U.P and Jharkhand. This means, less than 8% are from rest of the India.

About 18% of the tourists had annual income more than Rs 1,00,000. Hence the average spending is low. Tourists from North America and Europe declared the annual income more than Rs 5,00,000. But the tourist arrival in Bihar accounted just 4.06 % foreign tourists

In 2004, the tourist arrival in Bihar accounted just 4.06 % foreign tourists and 95.93% domestic tourists. However, the foreign tourists accounted for 17% of the tourist expenditure whereas the domestic tourist accounted for 83% of the tourist expenditure.

Only 27% of the tourists visiting destinations in Bihar stayed for more than 1 night.

Year 2001 data reveals that Bihar received Rs 46 crore from tourism whereas Kerala received Rs 416 crores. The average earning per tourist in Bihar was Rs 5,510 whereas this figure for Kerala was Rs 20,600

Summary

The scientific festival of Chhath has the potential to attract large number of foreign tourist to Patna Ganga Ghats. If just 4% of foreign tourists account for 17% of the total tourist expenditure in Bihar, any rise in the number of foreign tourists visiting Patna can help in generating more revenue from tourism.

Chhath Tourism alone will account for surplus stay of atleast one night, thus pumping in huge revenue. Once the tourists visit Patna for Chhath, they will also visit other places like Nalanda, Vikramshila, Pawapuri, Bodh Gaya etc. The weather during the months of Nov-Dec will be suitable for the tourists.

This is just an effort to bring the attention of the Government of Bihar and the Government of India towards this idea.It is for these Governments and the people of the state to try and materialize the desired results of Chhath Tourism and economic development.